The American Dream of Jewelry – A Preview of JCK Las Vegas 2023
Embarking on a trip to the JCK trade show in one of the most fascinating and surreal cities in the world, Las Vegas, is the „American dream” for any jewelry lover. It is one of the largest global industry events dedicated to jewelry. And now – pinch me, Jewelry Lover, because… Katarzyna and I will be attending the trade show in Nevada for the second time as part of a press collaboration. From June 2 to 5, expect a flood of photos and videos bathed in sharp desert light, filled with the shimmering neon of the Las Vegas Strip and, of course, the sparkle of the most beautiful jewelry.
Facts: JCK Las Vegas is considered the most important event in the annual calendar of the jewelry industry. This is evidenced by the attendance: the 30th anniversary edition of the event was visited by over 17,000 people! There was plenty to see: 1,800 companies were exhibited in the exhibition halls (!!!). The keyword: grandiosity. Americans approach organizing a business event like the Super Bowl or the Oscars – it has to be done with pomp. A diverse, packed program, plenty of accompanying attractions and networking opportunities, and the spectacular scenery of the hotel and conference complex. What do we expect? What are our plans? Here is our itinerary for the „ultimate JCK experience”… it’s V-E-G-A-S, Baby!
V as in Venetian
JCK Trade Show. Location: Venice. – Wait, didn’t you say you were going to Las Vegas? Ha, American imagination knows no bounds. The largest jewelry trade show in the USA takes place in the Venetian hotel complex (the second-largest resort in the world, wow), which includes a replica of the Italian city on water. It’s a truly surreal sight: a copy of St. Mark’s bell tower, townhouses, canals lazily traveled by gondolas… Hotels, shopping centers, casinos, dozens of restaurants, nightclubs, and a massive conference and event hub that will light up with the glow of luxury jewelry at JCK exhibitors’ stands in early June – the Venetian is a „city within a city.”
E as in education
I won’t deny that viewing and trying on the most beautiful jewelry in the world, having access to products from hundreds of prestigious jewelry brands in one place – these are the highlights of my trips to trade shows. But the studious jewelry lover never sleeps: I always try to make time to attend educational panels during such trips. The lecture and conference section at JCK, like everything in Las Vegas, is unimaginably grand. This year’s program includes over 60 presentations, and the keynote speaker will be Johnny Earle, creator of the cult T-shirt brand Johnny Cupcakes, a genius of marketing and storytelling.
G as in glamour
Four days are definitely not enough to visit the booths of nearly 2,000 exhibitors, so we will focus on sectors dedicated to prestigious jewelry brands and designer innovations. JCK also has highly specialized sections: bridal jewelry, synthetic diamonds, enamels, pieces with colorful precious stones – every player can find inspiration from interesting themes, top-class goods for their boutique, or unique diamonds for new projects. Katarzyna and I will be on the lookout for the latest trends and hunting with our cameras for pieces that cannot be found in Poland or even Europe. As we browse the JCK showcases, we’ll be accompanied by the thought that some of these dazzling models will soon end up on the necks, fingers, and ears of Hollywood stars. By the way, JCK also has its ultra-elite version, Luxury, where both exhibitors and guests are subject to meticulous selection by the organizers.
A as in atmosphere
Our first visit to JCK a few years ago made us realize something extraordinary: even such a prestigious and enormous event with the participation of the biggest players in the jewelry industry can be filled with an atmosphere of hospitality, relaxation, and joy. At trade shows in the USA, without unnecessary formalities, you can approach anyone, say hello, exchange compliments and business cards. American openness also works in business, which greatly facilitates making contacts and exchanging experiences. Las Vegas is a city of fun – this vibe can be felt at JCK as well. It doesn’t surprise anyone that in the afternoon you finalize a multimillion-dollar deal on diamond purchases, and in the evening, while sipping some bubbly, you dance to Andy Grammer on stage… No joke, the singer (with 500+ million plays of his hit Don’t Give Up on Me on Spotify) will perform during the trade show. American grandiosity – I told you!
S as in sisters
This trip will not only be work for us (although when work = passion, boundaries blur!). Katarzyna and I have ambitious plans for sightseeing and cultural experiences! If the desert heat allows (temperatures at this time of year reach 40 degrees Celsius, sneakers are melting!), we have scheduled excursions to iconic locations like the Las Vegas Strip and Fremont Street, a hamburger feast at the legendary In-N-Out, a Las Vegas-themed photo session (we never get bored of this!), a night out at a Cirque du Soleil show, and even – a Bruno Mars concert (laughter)! Sisterly “quality time” will be a reward for the past months of intense work and an opportunity to celebrate the next milestones in our career.
What happens in Vegas, stays… on our IG! Expect a marathon of photo and video reports on Blingsis channels and our individual accounts. Be sure to let us know what you’d like to see during this virtual „trip” to the JCK trade show and around crazy Vegas!